Rishi Dhir can do a wild number on the sitar. He’s the main man behind the Montreal band Elephant Stone, which spins out tunes both dirgey and Desi and brings to mind Brit bands such as Kula Shaker and The Stone Roses.

Elephant Stone dispatches hippie wisdom in tunes with names like “Heavy Moon” and “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin,” while showing a raucous appreciation for their mod-rock roots. Dhir’s previous bands included The High Dials and The Datsons and he’s recorded with Soundtrack of Our Lives. Elephant Stone recently signed to Hidden Pony Records (Danko Jones, Rah Rah, Said the Whale), who will release their forthcoming second full-length album. The band’s debut, Seven Seas, was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize.

WEEKEND BEST BETS
Six bands will pile into the Antique Skateboard Shop at 9 Florence St. in Centretown on Sunday for an afternoon rock session that’s part of the 4 in 1 band series of concerts. The name 4 in 1 came from the fact that four bands could be found in one place for an afternoon of music. In the summer, there were shows in parks with bands playing a 30-minute set and there was no cover charge. The series continues this weekend with performances by Yanis, Sarah Jane Johnston, The Love Machine, JF Robitaille, Peas & Carrots, and Marxist Cowboy. 1:30-5 p.m. Find details on Antique Skateboard’s Facebook page here.

After the show, head over to 209 Gilmour St., near Elgin. That’s the site of the Record Shaap, a tune-haven since 2010. There will be a closing sale with deals on records and CDs from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Owner Matty McGovern says his upstairs neighbour, vintage shop Gypsy & Co., is closing that storefront and moving their business online and he decided it was time to move on to new endeavours as well.